Lauded as a sacred fruit by ancient cultures and religious texts, the pomegranate has also been used in diverse systems of medicine. All parts of the plant are rich in health-promoting compounds, and pomegranate even has up to three times more antioxidant activity than either red wine or green tea.

THE BENEFITS

Whole body health

Pomegranate is rich in plant compounds that exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive and anticancer effects. Of its many cardio-protective benefits, the most promising is related to blood pressure management. Pomegranate juice may provide an effective pharmacological and dietary intervention, especially in those at risk of cardiovascular disease. What’s more, pomegranate’s polyphenol content has also demonstrated significant anticancer activity against prostate, breast, lung, colon and skin cancers by inhibiting cell growth and signalling pathways.

Gut goodness

Consuming pomegranate may support a healthy microbiome by modulating gut microbiota and providing prebiotics that encourage the growth of healthy bacterial communities. Ellagitannins, a major family of active polyphenols found in pomegranate, are poorly absorbed by the body; however, once metabolized by gut microorganisms, they are transformed into urolithins, which are anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective compounds that can travel through the body and reach systemic tissues where they may exert beneficial effects. Recognized as the main bioactive metabolites of pomegranate, urolithins may also support healthy aging by protecting muscle cells and slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Topical touch

A common additive in many skincare formulas, this superfood has the science to back it up! Pomegranate derived products, such as extracts and oils obtained from the remaining material after juice production, may be useful in protecting against photo-aging and UVB-mediated damage to the skin. Beyond the surface, studies suggest that pomegranate derivatives may also support wound healing. Pomegranate extract derived from the peel, and its phenolic compounds in particular, have been shown to improve healing by reducing the wound area and increasing collagen. Pomegranate’s high antioxidant content contributes to its healing properties; particularly tannins, which have an antimicrobial effect. Ellagitannins can be broken down into ellagic acid, which is used in plastic surgery to prevent skin from dying.